Daily Times

KARACHI: Test cricketers Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan have appealed the youth to go through blood screening and thalassaemia tests before marriage.

Star cricketers expressed their views during a visit to Omair Sana Thalassaemia Center Karachi where they met with Thalassaemia children and their parents. During the visit of day care unit, national heroes cut a cake with Thalassaemia children. They also distributed gifts to the children and took selfies with them. On their arrival, The children welcomed them by presenting bouquet of flowers to them.

Talking to media personnel, cricketers said that they feel pain to see these children effected by Thalassemia . They expressed that it was our collective reconcilability to create awareness about thalassaemia as it was the only way to control this menace.

“Thalassaemia disorder is increasing rapidly. It is necessary for youth for getting Thalassaemia test before marriage so that the disorder could be prevented,” cricketers added. They also appealed for voluntary blood donations for these children.

“Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply is of great importance to the general public. Because those with a severe form of thalassemia require blood transfusions as often as every two weeks, the blood supply is of special importance to the thalassemia community,” they added.

They appreciated efforts of Omair San Foundation against Thalassaemia and other organizations, who are managing these children and supporting their families and making efforts to eradicate it from Pakistan. Dr. Kashi Hussain Ansari, President OSF praised the kindness of both cricketers for their interest to the cause. OSF officials Dr. Saqib Ansari, Dr. Ambreen, Obaid Hashmi and other were also present on the occasion.